![]() There are many related topics and questions when it comes to 100 amp wire size, including what size wire to use for different types of services and circuits, how to calculate the correct wire size, and what type of wire to use. Choosing the right wire size is essential to making sure your electrical system runs smoothly and safely. On the other hand, if the wire is too large, it can be more expensive and difficult to work with, and it may not fit in the space provided. If the wire is too small for the amount of current it needs to carry, it can overheat and potentially start an electrical fire. Using the correct wire size is critical to ensuring the safety and functionality of your electrical system. This size wire is commonly used for main service panels, which are responsible for providing power to your entire home. The American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard is used to measure the size of wires, and in the case of 100 amps, we’re usually looking at wires with a gauge of 2/0 or larger. When we talk about 100 amp wire size, we’re referring to the amount of electrical current that the wire can handle without overheating. Getting Wired: The Importance of Proper 100 Amp Wire Sizing for Your Electrical Needs But before we dive into that, let’s first understand why wire sizing is so essential.īy the way – before we get too far along here, if you want to connect with other homeowners, DIYers, and builders and get more great ideas for your home to make your space the best join my free private Facebook group, Remodel Reality here. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of wire sizing for 100 amp sub panels. What factors do you need to take into account? What about a sub-panel that’s 100 feet away?įor a sub-panel that’s 100 feet away, generally speaking, a 3-gauge copper wire or a 1/0 aluminum wire is typically used for this application. The recommended wire size for a 100 amp sub-panel that’s 200 feet away is typically a 1-gauge copper wire. That’s why choosing the correct wire size for your sub-panel is critical for ensuring safety and functionality.įor instance – what size wire should you use for a 100 amp sub-panel that’s 200 feet away? If you are unsure, seek the help of a licensed electrician.Do you know what happens when you use the wrong wire size for a 100 amp sub panel that’s located 200 feet away?Įlectrical systems can be dangerous, and using incorrect wire sizes can lead to overheating, fire hazards, and other very serious issues. Always make sure to shut off the power higher up the line when working on a service panel. ConclusionĬhoosing the appropriate wire size for your 100 amp breaker is not as complicated as it seems. However, if you choose too small a gauge, the circuits will go bad and as a result, the risk of electrical fire will go up. Using the larger gauge will require you to spend more. Opting to err on the side of caution is the best idea here. When choosing between two gauge sizes for a 100 amp main breaker, you should know that bigger is always better. The heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant properties make it the most preferred wire material. It also uses less insulation and has a lower wire gauge compared to aluminum. On the other hand, copper has better conductivity and can handle higher electrical loads. Another drawback is the antioxidant coating required to resist corrosion, unlike the copper-clad aluminum. However, due to lower conductivity compared to copper, aluminum wiring needs a larger-sized wire. ![]() Aluminum wires are widely used because they are inexpensive, light, and flexible. Once you have figured out the wire size required, the next problem is choosing the wire material. ![]() ![]() It applies regardless of whether it is a breaker or subpanel.’ Copper vs Aluminum If you consider the material, then the recommended gauge is 1 made of aluminum and 3 made of copper for a 100 amp branch circuit. The #3 AWG wire has 100A ampacity but it is supposed to be used in circuits requiring 80 amps or less. Therefore, #1 AWG has 130A ampacity which conducts at most 104 amps. It is a safety measure that tells you about the actual ampacity. The 80% rule of NEC says that the maximum loading for any branch circuit is 80% of the rating of the circuit for ampacity of wire for any load. However, the most appropriate one here is the #1 AWG wire with a 130 amp median capacity. From the wire gauge chart, we see that a #3 AWG wire seems to be the most plausible wire size with 100-ampacity. ![]()
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